MNPS Virtual School will have a new leader this fall. Dr. James Vince Witty has been named principal of Metro Nashville Public School’s first virtual high school.

 

“Dr. Witty will lead the MNPS Virtual School in becoming one of the most innovative schools in Tennessee,” said Jay Steele, associate superintendent for high schools. “We are very fortunate to have his creativity and expertise on our team.”

 

Dr. Witty, who began his career in education at Bradley School for the Arts in Murfreesboro, Tenn., brings a wealth of experience and expertise in nontraditional educational methods. Currently, Witty manages more than 60 educational reform initiatives for Metro Schools as the Race to the Top Grant Manager. Previously, he served as the Director of the Center for Dropout Prevention, creating and launching a resource center for the Tennessee Department of Education. Dr. Witty also has expertise in out-of-school learning, previously serving as a Director for Extended Learning for the Murfreesboro City School District.

 

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the innovative work of the Virtual School,” says Witty.  “I have dedicated my career to working on behalf of nontraditional learners.  As MNPS continues to expand the number of pathways for students to earn a high school diploma, I am humbled to be a part of this innovative and important work.  I look forward to leading the dynamic team at the Virtual School and making the school a national model.”

 

Witty is noted throughout Tennessee for his extensive policy reform work in dropout prevention, as well as alternative, nontraditional, and virtual education. Nationally, Witty is recognized for authoring the first national standards for alternative education entitled, “Exemplary Practices in Alternative Education: Indicators of Quality Programming.”  Witty also served two terms as the Vice President of the National Alternative Education Association (NAEA) and is currently on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Alternative Education Association (TAEA).

 

Dr. Witty attended Middle Tennessee State University and received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Education.  He is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Doctor of Education degree in Learning and Leadership.  Currently, Witty is working on his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree at Nashville School of Law.

The Virtual School is open and looking for students! Metro Schools’ newest and most high-tech learning experience has 135 open spots for full-time students and several more left for part-timers, as well.

At Virtual School students can take courses online in to receive a quality education in a virtual environment. Students will be taught online by highly qualified, certified teachers.



Full-time students can earn their diplomas by earning up to six credits per year. They must apply and meet the qualifying criteria.

Part-time students can choose from dozens of courses offered at Virtual School. These courses may not be offered at every school, but are available to every student online. These include courses in all core subjects, Health & Wellness, and AP courses like English, English Lit, Biology, Marcoeconomics, Psychology, US History & Statistics.

Students interested in part-time work through Virtual School should contact their School Counselors. Much more information is available on the Virtual School website, www.vlearn.mnps.org.

Time is of the essence. If you want to take advantage of this great opportunity, don’t delay! A whole world of classes is available to every high school student online. Sign up! Take part!